I have a brain fart that the medical community calls an Arnold Chiari Malformation. After decompression surgery in 2006, my brain is learning to coexist peacefully with my spinal cord in the cramped quarters of my spinal canal. With a real hole in my head, I am now free to continue the pursuit of life, liberty, and good coffee -- between headaches, nausea, dizziness, and seizures, of course!

I've blogged about my favorite singer of all time before and have even used a couple of his songs for Musical Monday posts in the past, but today's entry is extra special. You see, Merle Haggard, received special recognition on December 5, 2010 when he became a Kennedy Center Honoree for his musical contributions to the fabric of American society: "The honesty of Merle Haggard’s music and poetic lyrics has helped to shape the world of country music for nearly five decades." It was long, long overdue in my opinion; however, some things are just worth waiting for! It was amazing to see this one time fugitive from Oildale, California, this now 71 year-old man who spent much of his youth in the prisons controlled by the California Youth Authority, and who, while Johnny Cash sang about Folsom Prison, he spent time in it, sitting next to Oprah and President Obama while some of the biggest stars in country music performed his songs at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Merle Haggard sings a lot about tragedies that happen in December. My mom died in December, so I have a special connection to every single one of those songs. And the one I chose for today fits my dad and his girls after our mom one December long ago to the proverbial TEE. I hope that even if you don't like country music, you will see why the song has moved me this Monday.

The Farmer's Daughter Lyrics

Tonight there'll be candlelight and rosesIn this little country chapel that's almost falling downThere'll be tears in this old farmer's eyes this eveningWhen I give my one possession to that city boy from town

His hair is a little longer than we're used toBut, I guess I should find something good to sayAbout this man whose won the farmer's daughterAnd will soon become my son-in-law today

Mama left eight years ago DecemberAnd it was hard to be a Dad and Mama tooBut, somehow we made home of this old farmhouseAnd love was all my baby ever knew

He could be the richest man in seven countiesAnd not be good enough to take her handBut, he says he really loves the farmer's daughterAnd I know the farmer's daughter loves the man

A very touching song! I can feel why the lyrics are so special to you, dear Carleen. According to what you wrote, Merle Haggard really deserved the honor. I enjoyed reading his story. Have a blessed week :)

Very interesting blog. A lot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that attract others, but I'm most definitely interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.

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Anita Van Cise Willett, 1939-1976

Address in the Stars

I stumbled across your old picture todayI could barely breatheThe moment stopped me coldGrabbed me like a thiefI dialed your numberBut you wouldn't be thereI knew the whole timeBut it's still not fairI just wanted to hear your voiceI just needed to hear your voice

What do I do with all I need to say?So much I want to tell you every dayOh it breaks my heartI cry these tears in the darkI write these letters to youBut they get lost in the blue'Cause there's no address in the stars

Now I'm driving through the pitch black darkI'm screaming at the sky cause it hurts so badEverybody tells me all I need is timeThen the morning rolls in and it hits me againAnd that ain't nothing but a lie

What do I do with all I need to say?So much I want to tell you every dayOh it breaks my heartI cry these tears in the darkI write these letters to youbut they get lost in the blue'Cause there's no address in the stars

Without you here with me I don't know what to doI'd give anything just to talk to youOh it breaks my heartOh it breaks my heartAll I can do is write these letters to youBut there's no address in the stars